SANFORD — Sanford firefighters will have a new piece of equipment to test their breathing masks and medical masks, and will also be able to purchase some rescue ropes as a result of a federal grant.

Sanford Fire Department will receive $16,386 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Fire Chief Steve Benotti said the current equipment used to test the fit of breathing and medical mask apparatus is 15 years old.

The fire department’s contribution to the purchases is a 10 percent match, or $1,600.

Benotti credited Assistant Chief Steve Cutter for writing the successful grant.

The primary goal of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant is to meet firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

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